System, apparatus and method for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat

ABSTRACT

A system for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat approaching the vehicle. A sensor is configured to detect the possible threat and to transmit raw data and to continue the detection as long as there is a possible or confirmed threat. A control unit is configured to receive the raw data transmitted from the sensor and to evaluate the possible threat in view of the raw data to produce and transmit processed information. A counter-measure apparatus is configured to receive the processed information of the threat from the control unit if the evaluation by the control unit confirms that there is a threat. A launcher is configured to receive preliminary processed information of the direction of the threat from the control unit and to receive a launching signal from the control unit for launching the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat when the threat is confirmed. The counter-measure apparatus includes a guiding unit configured to guide the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat based on the processed information of the threat that is continuously received via the control unit, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus. The counter-measure apparatus further includes a counter-measure element that is launched in a direction against the threat by a releasing and activating module configured to release and activate the counter-measure element when the counter-measure apparatus has reached within the vicinity of the threat, such that the counter-measure element can defeat the threat.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a system for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat approaching the vehicle. The system comprises a counter-measure apparatus that is launched towards the threat when a threat is confirmed. The invention also relates to an apparatus and a method for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat approaching the vehicle.

BACKGROUND ART

Arrangements for protecting vehicles by launching counter-measures, being designed to be mounted on vehicles, such as an aircraft of the aeroplane type, are previously known. According to the state of the art, such counter-measures being connected to a firing control unit for feeding firing signals to the counter-measures. The counter-measures can consist of passive means, such as chaff foil, but can also consist of flares, for example IR flares, or other active measures.

It is also known ground controlled systems including counter-measure devices that are launched for protecting a city or the similar, from massive threats such as Scud missiles and intermediate range ballistic robots.

The above mentioned systems and arrangements are suitable when fighting against threats that are launched from relatively far distance and when the vehicle itself is travelling with a substantial velocity. The time for detecting the possible threat, evaluating the possible threat, taking a decision and launching counter-measures if the threat is confirmed, is from several seconds up to several minutes. Threats fired against vehicles very close to the vehicle are difficult to defend oneself against, e.g. a grenade attack from the ground against a helicopter. There are no generic protection against all kinds of threats to vehicles such as different aircraft, ships, land vehicles and spacecraft.

An example of a previously known arrangement for capturing and obstructing a flying weapon, a hijacked aircraft or the similar, is described in document U.S. Pat. No. 6,626,077. An interceptor is connected to a launch vehicle, which is responsible for the propulsion, guidance and delivery of the interceptor to its intended location. The interceptor is comprised of several masses that are attached to a web-like structure, similar to a spider web. When the interceptor is in close vicinity of a threat, the masses are pushed apart by activating an explosive charge within the interceptor, such that the web can be deployed to capture the threat. The threats to be captured and obstructed by the interceptor are hijacked airplanes, Scud missiles, and intermediate range ballistic missiles. Hence, known arrangements/systems are designed to fight threats that are launched from relatively far distance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to at least partially eliminate the drawbacks associated with the solutions known in the prior art.

Another object is to provide a generic protection against all kinds of threats, those that are fired very close to the vehicle, as well as threats launched from far distance.

Yet another object is to minimise the occurrence of damages and injuries to anyone/anything else in the vicinity of the threat but the threat itself, when the threat is defeated by counter-measures.

Moreover, it is an object with the present invention to provide a solution that can be integrated and used in existing systems of vehicles, such as existing weapon platforms of fighter airplanes or the similar.

It is also an aim to provide a cost efficient and uncomplicated protection system and counter-measure apparatus.

The objects of the invention are achieved by means of a system according to claim 1.

Thus, the system is characterized in that the counter-measure apparatus comprises a guiding unit by which the counter-measure apparatus is guided towards the threat based on the processed information of the threat that is continuously received via the control unit, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus. Further, the counter-measure apparatus comprises a counter-measure element that is launched in a direction against the threat by means for releasing and activating the counter-measure element, when the counter-measure apparatus has reached within the vicinity of the threat, such that the counter-measure element can defeat the threat.

Consequently, the present invention accomplishes a continuous control and guidance of a counter-measure all the way to the threat. The present invention makes it also possible to design a system for defeating threats launch very close to the vehicle, within some hundreds of meters from the vehicle, where the time for detecting the threat is within seconds.

An advantage with the present invention is that a system is obtained that can minimise the occurrence of damages and injuries to personnel, neighbouring vehicles, civilians, etc., in the vicinity of the threat, when the threat is defeated by counter-measures.

By the present invention it is also possible to achieve a system and a counter-measure that is uncomplicated, enables a compact design and that is inexpensive to produce.

According to an embodiment, the vehicle according to the present invention is an aircraft. Preferably, it is a system designed for a vehicle when travelling with a moderate or low velocity.

The guiding of the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus, is substantially carried out in an axial direction towards the threat. Such an embodiment of the present invention is advantageous if the threats are fired at very close distance from the vehicle, in order for the counter-measure to be able to quickly defeat the threat.

According to the present invention, the counter-measure element can be an explosive counter-measure or a non-explosive counter-measure. However, the use of explosives against threats, which are used in some previously known counter-measure devices, should preferably be avoided for some applications. In order to defeat a threat positioned on the ground for instance, it is not desirable to eliminate more than the specific threat. For example, the threat to defeat can be a launched projectile or an apparatus for launching the projectile on ground. Often there are civilians, soldiers and other personnel in the vicinity of the position of the threat on ground. Thus, when using explosives included in the counter-measure, people can unintentionally be injured. Another problem is that a neighbouring vehicle could be damaged, e.g. when flying with pair of airplanes, when using explosives as the counter-measure against an incoming threat positioned close to the vehicle. Consequently, according to a preferred embodiment, the counter-measure element is a non-explosive counter-measure, such as paint, a net, spinning wire or the similar.

The objects of the invention are also achieved by means of an apparatus for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat approaching the vehicle as defined in the claims.

The present invention also relates to a method for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat approaching the vehicle as defined in the claims.

Further embodiments and advantages are described below with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in greater detail below by way of illustration of embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows schematic view of a vehicle protecting itself against a possible threat approaching the vehicle, in accordance with the present invention,

FIG. 2 shows a functional schematic diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 3 illustrates in a schematic side view an apparatus and a counter-measure element in a cross section view according to an embodiment of the invention for launching counter-measures towards a threat.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A helicopter 1, representing a vehicle according to the present invention, is shown in FIG. 1, provided with an apparatus 2 and a system 3 (described below with reference to FIG. 2) for launching counter-measures towards a threat 4. The apparatus further includes a counter-measure element (see description below) that is released and activated in a direction D1 against the threat 4 when the counter-measure apparatus 2 has reached within the vicinity of the threat 4, such that the counter-measure element can defeat the threat 4. During the time from when the threat has been detected and the apparatus 2 is activated for launch, to when it reaches the position shown in FIG. 1, sufficient time has elapsed for the apparatus 2 to have become a fully active counter-measure apparatus 2 in close proximity to a threat 4 and at sufficient distance from any neighbouring vehicle such as an allied helicopter. One or more counter-measure apparatuses 2 can be placed on suitable positions on a vehicle, preferably by using existing hard-points of a vehicle.

The system 3 and the apparatus 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2-3. In FIG. 2, the system 3 is described, comprising a sensor 6 that detects S1 the possible threat 4. The sensor 6 transmits raw data and continues the detection S1 as long as there is a possible or confirmed threat 4. The raw data is transmitted via signal S2 to a control unit 8. The control unit 8 processes and evaluates the possible threat 4 in view of the raw data. The control unit 8 produces and transmits processed information via a signal S3 to the counter-measure apparatus 2. If the evaluation by the control unit 8 confirms that there is a threat 4, a launcher 10 receives preliminary processed information, via a signal S4, of the direction and preferably also other important information of the threat 4 from the control unit 8. The launcher 10 receives a launching signal S4 from the control unit 8 for launching the counter-measure apparatus 2 in direction D1 towards the threat when the threat 4 is confirmed. The counter-measure apparatus 2 comprises a guiding unit 12 by which the counter-measure apparatus 2 is guided towards the threat 4. The guidance is based on the processed information of the threat that is continuously received, e.g. via a receiving unit (not shown), by the guiding unit 12 from the control unit 8 via signal S3. Correspondingly, the control unit 8 may have a transmitter (not shown) that is responsible for sending the signals S3 and S4.

The system may also be provided with a wireless remote control 13 of the counter-measure apparatus 2 after launch towards the threat. The guidance and the communication of the counter-measure apparatus 2 via the control unit 8 are carried out during acceleration and flight of the counter-measure apparatus 2. The control unit 8 detects via signal S3 continuously the position of the counter-measure apparatus 2, and calculates the relative position to the threat 4. The counter-measure apparatus further comprises a counter-measure element 14 that is released and activated in a direction D2 (see also FIG. 3) against the threat 4 by means 16 for releasing and activating the counter-measure element 14, when the counter-measure apparatus 2 has reached within the vicinity of the threat 4, such that the counter-measure element 14 can defeat the threat 4.

The sensor 6 in FIG. 2 may comprise of several sensor elements, preferably as many sensor element that the detection of a threat can be carried out in a range of 360 degrees around the vehicle. Conventionally, each sensor element is able to detect a range of 90 degrees.

The sensor 6, the control unit 8 and the launcher 10, as well as a preferred remote control 13, are all parts connected to a platform P comprised in the vehicle 1.

The present invention is suitable for aircrafts such as helicopters, transport aviation and fighter airplanes. The invention is in particular suitable for vehicles that are travelling with a moderate or low velocity, on low to medium altitude above the ground, where they could be an easy target for attack from grenades or the similar.

The guiding of the counter-measure apparatus 2 by the guiding unit 12 towards the threat 4, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus, is substantially carried out in an axial direction A, essentially coincident with the direction D1 or D2, towards the threat 4.

In FIG. 3 the apparatus 2 is described, comprising a counter-measure element 14 that receive information of the threat 4. The apparatus 2 further comprises a guiding unit 12 by which the counter-measure apparatus 2 is guided towards the threat 4, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus 2, based on continuously received information of the threat, preferably via a remote control 13. The counter-measures 14 can be connected to a firing control unit, via the remote control 13 or directly, for feeding firing signals to the counter-measures. Means 16 are provided for releasing and activating the counter-measure element 14 in a direction against the threat 4 when the counter-measure apparatus 2 has reached within the vicinity of the threat 4, such that the counter-measure element 14 can defeat the threat 4.

According to a preferred embodiment of the preset invention, the counter-measure element 14 is preferably a non-explosive element 18, such as paint, spinning wire or a net. When the counter-measure element is a net, it is possible to disturb or eliminate the threat when in contact with the threat, such as a missile or projectile. The aerodynamic properties of the threat can be essentially changed when the threat is flying into the net, or even captured in the net. It is also possible that the net in the outer ends comprises weights that may destroy or partially eliminate the threat mechanically. The centre of gravity of the threat may also be substantially changed such that the guidance is obstructed or alternatively the threat is forced out of course.

A non-explosive element 18 comprising a liquid with adhesive properties can be effective when used against a threat. If the counter-measure element is a liquid with adhesive properties such as paint, it may disturb the detecting and guiding ability of a missile or projectile, especially when in contact with the nose cone which is often very sensitive to contamination of its surface in order to work properly. The liquid can be contained in a container, a bag or the like, that is broken when in collision with the threat or activated to be released in close proximity to the threat.

A non-explosive element 18 comprising a spinning wire with mechanical destructive or entanglement properties can be effective when used against a threat. If the counter-measure 14 is a spinning wire, it may mechanically destroy damage, deflect or entangle the threat when the spinning wire makes contact with the threat.

The apparatus 2, comprising a counter-measure element 14, is designed as an elongate body 20, partially shown in FIG. 3. The elongate body 20 can be provided with a dome shaped end 22 (shown by phantom lines) that is designed to be broken, disintegrated or folded aside when the counter-measure is to be launch. The dome shaped end can be designed to be pushed aside or broken by the force of the fired counter-measure. The elongate body 20 is provided with a launch opening 24 used for storing the counter-measures 14 at the dome shaped end 22. The means 16 (see FIG. 2), for releasing and activating the counter-measure element 14, are provided in the apparatus 2. The counter-measure 14 is launched in a direction D2 against the threat 4 when the counter-measure apparatus 2 has reached within the vicinity of the threat 4, by an order to the means 16 via the remote control 13 from the platform P, such that the counter-measure element 14 can defeat the threat 4.

According to a preferred embodiment of the preset invention, in which the counter-measure element 14 is a preferred non-explosive element 18 in the shape of a net, the net can be connected to two or more weights 26 arranged in the periphery of the net. Suitably there are at least four weights and preferably there are at least five weights arranged to the net. The weights 26 can comprise a release mechanism that can comprise of plungers that are prestressed in a resting position when arranged inside the elongate body 20. The prestressing means are illustrated as springs 28 in FIG. 3 but can of course be designed in other ways as evident for the person skilled in the art. Each weight is arranged to the net by an eye, loop, or any similar means 30.

The geometrically initial positions of the weights 26, when in the initial resting position in the elongate body 20, are designed to slope forwards, suitably about 30° to 60° and preferably about 45° relative to the axial direction A of the elongate body 20, which is depicted in FIG. 3. This is important in order to release each weight in an oblique angle in a direction D3, to reach an immediate spreading of the net when the counter-measure is launched towards the threat.

When the counter-measure element 14 is activated and released, the weights 26 push away against the interior of the elongate body 20, such that the counter-measure may accelerate rapidly towards the threat. By the pushing away against the elongate body 20, the kinetic energy of the elongate body 20 can be decreased in order to minimise the risk that the elongate body 20 does not obstruct the capturing and defeating of the threat. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a net is used as counter-measure, a parachute can be attached to the apparatus 2, such that the apparatus does not continue to move into the net and obstruct it. The parachute can be arranged to open simultaneously as the means 16 (see FIG. 2) release and activate the counter-measure element 14, or by the means 16.

The net is suitably made of a synthetic material such as Kevlar® or mixtures thereof, or any other fibre with similar properties. The net should be as coarse-meshed as possible, with respect to the threats that could be expected, such that the packing density could be as high as possible. For instance, each mesh may have a largest diameter below about 18 cm (about 7 inch) in order to capture usual occurring threats such that they do not pass through the net. The smallest diameter of a mesh is preferably not below 5-6 cm.

With respect to the embodiment with use of a liquid, it can be launched in the same way and by the use of the same means as used for the net. Hence, the liquid can be launched by the use of the weights 26 and their release mechanism as described above.

In operation, the protection of a vehicle 1 against a threat 4 approaching the vehicle, according to the method of the present invention, comprises the following steps, according to an embodiment of the present invention: detecting a possible threat by a sensor 6 and transmitting raw data continuously as long as there is a possible or confirmed threat; receiving the raw data in a control unit 8 and evaluating the possible threat in view of the raw data to produce processed information; transmitting the processed information of the threat to a guiding unit 12 in a counter-measure apparatus 2 if the evaluation by the control unit confirms that there is a threat; delivering a launching signal from the control unit to a launcher 10 when the threat is confirmed; launching the counter-measure apparatus 2 in a direction D1 towards the threat by the launcher 10, the counter-measure apparatus 2 receive preliminary processed information of the direction of the threat from the control unit; guiding the counter-measure apparatus 2 towards the threat 4 based on the processed information of the threat that is continuously delivered to the guiding unit 12 via the control unit 8; launching a counter-measure element 14, 18 in a direction D2 against the threat 4 by means 16 for releasing and activating the counter-measure element 14, 18, when the counter-measure apparatus 2 has reached within the vicinity of the threat 4, such that the counter-measure element 14, 18 can defeat the threat 4.

In accordance with the present invention, the preliminary processed information of the direction of the threat, for launching of the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat, can suitably be based on a rough estimate. This saves time for evaluation of a threat, confirming the threat and launching a counter-measure. However, during guiding of the counter-measure apparatus 2 towards the threat, the continuously delivered information transmitted to the guiding unit 12 can be more accurate to compensate for any misalignment during pointing of the launcher 10.

Preferably, an aspect angle of the possible threat is calculated by the control unit, and the control unit transmits information of the aspect angle to the counter-measure apparatus.

The evaluation in the control unit of the possible threat in view of the raw data may preferably take the threats speed into consideration and disregards vehicles having low speed. This can be carried out such that the identified threat is classified and compared against similar known threats that are stored in memory in connection to the control unit. In this way, objects that have too low velocity and that are no threats, such as bicycles, cars, motorcycles, boats, etc. can be disregarded by the system. 

1. A system for protection of a vehicle against a possible threat approaching the vehicle, the system comprising: a sensor configured to detect the possible threat and to transmit raw data and to continue the detection as long as there is a possible or confirmed threat, a control unit configured to receive the raw data transmitted from the sensor and to evaluate the possible threat in view of the raw data to produce and transmit processed information, a counter-measure apparatus configured to receive the processed information of the threat from the control unit if the evaluation by the control unit confirms that there is a threat, and a launcher configured to receive preliminary processed information of the direction of the threat from the control unit and to receive a launching signal from the control unit for launching the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat when the threat is confirmed, wherein the counter-measure apparatus comprises a guiding unit by which the counter-measure apparatus is guided towards the threat based on the processed information of the threat that is continuously received via the control unit, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus, the counter-measure apparatus further comprises a counter-measure element that is launched in a direction against the threat by a releasing and activating module configured to release and activate the counter-measure element when the counter-measure apparatus has reached within the vicinity of the threat, such that the counter-measure element can defeat the threat.
 2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the counter-measure element is a non-explosive counter-measure.
 3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the counter-measure element is an explosive counter-measure.
 4. An apparatus for launching a counter-measure towards a threat, comprising: a counter-measure element a guiding unit by which the counter-measure apparatus is guided towards the threat, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus, based on continuously received information of the threat, and a releasing and activating module configured to release and activate the counter-measure element in a direction against the threat when the counter-measure apparatus has reached within the vicinity of the threat, such that the counter-measure element can defeat the threat.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the counter-measure element is a non-explosive counter-measure.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the counter-measure element is an explosive counter-measure.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the counter-measure element comprises a net.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein counter-measure element comprises a liquid with adhesive properties.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the counter-measure element comprises a spinning wire counter-measure.
 10. An aircraft, comprising a system according to claim
 1. 11. A method for protection of a vehicle against a threat approaching the vehicle, the method comprising: detecting a possible threat and transmitting raw data continuously as long as there is a possible or confirmed threat, evaluating the possible threat in view of the raw data to produce processed information, transmitting the processed information of the threat to a counter-measure apparatus if the evaluation confirms that there is a threat and delivering a launching signal for launching the counter-measure apparatus, launching the counter-measure apparatus in a direction towards the threat by delivering preliminary processed information of the direction of the threat to the counter-measure apparatus, guiding the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat based on the processed information of the threat that is continuously delivered to the counter-measure apparatus, and launching a counter-measure element from the counter-measure apparatus in a direction against the threat, when the counter-measure apparatus has reached within the vicinity of the threat, such that the counter-measure element can defeat the threat.
 12. The method according to claim 11, the evaluation of the raw data take the threats speed into consideration and/or dimensions not classified as a threat.
 13. The method according to claim 11, wherein an aspect angle of the possible threat is calculated and information of the aspect angle is transmitted to the counter-measure apparatus.
 14. The method according to claim 11, wherein the guiding of the counter-measure apparatus towards the threat, during acceleration of the counter-measure apparatus, is substantially carried out in an axial direction towards the threat.
 15. An aircraft, comprising an apparatus according to claim
 9. 